Office skills should be updated

Joyce Lain Kennedy CAREERS NOW

Published Sunday November 25, 2012 at 6:00 am

Q When our office manager retired, I had hoped to be promoted to the job. Instead, the company brought in a “temporary” office manager who apparently has extensive experience in our industry. What advice would you give me for improving my “career rating”? — No initials please.

A Unless you're already an ace, consider dramatically upgrading your digital skills through continuing education. Demographics are changing, bringing in younger workers who grew up with computers and video games, and how can you manage them if you don't know what they're doing?

Additionally, revisit your relationship skills. A huge hunk of career success depends on your ability to communicate well and foster mutually beneficial relationships at work, says Beverly Flaxington (thehumanbehaviorcoach.com), a behavioral analyst and author of “Understanding Other People: The Five Secrets to Human Behavior.” Among Flaxington's tips:

Confront thoughtfully when you must face another person about a disruptive behavior or a performance issue. Learn best practices in giving feedback: what works and what doesn't.

Assumptions can fuel workplace misunderstandings, lost sales and failed business negotiations. Come to every interaction with open eyes and attitude. Rather than assume what the other person thinks or wants, learn to love the question, “Why?”

We're great at seeing others' flaws and missteps, and we also often think we see ways in which they can avoid getting into trouble with a few simple tweaks of their behavior — much better than we can do this for ourselves. Focus on you, and let others make their own mistakes.

Let the other person finish her thought completely. This means not giving feedback or adding commentary until the person is completely through talking or asking.

Watch others' reactions to things being said. You'll observe “helpful” people, “I feel sorry for myself” people and “giving” people, to name a few types. Now watch yourself. Do you react as a “type” instead of as an objective listener?

Q I'm thinking about connecting with a career counselor and career coach. How can I choose a good one, and also, do they do the same thing? — P.V.

A Your best bet for referral to either type of professional in private practice is from a friend or school counselor who has first-hand experience or recommendations from many others. Word gets around about who's good and who's not helpful. You'll have the choice of seeking local counsel or distance counsel online. There's much similarity and some overlap between counselors and coaches.

Many career counselors emphasize assessment, personal evaluation and the career decision-making process. Counselors don't usually get involved in job search campaigns but function more like teachers who instruct a client on how to seek greater self-knowledge. Counselors typically have an academic counseling degree awarded by a university.

These professionals come from various walks of experience, and they train, coach and mentor, rather than counsel. But coaches may also emphasize assessment, personal support and encouragement. Coaches work to make sure the client has full responsibility for “taking the knowledge and running with it.” Coaches typically have certifications awarded by a professional coaching organization.

Once you have a few names, check out each one at a no-fee orientation meeting for the purpose of understanding the professional's services and their cost. I strongly recommend against signing an upfront contract for a specific amount and instead suggest that you pay as you go, much as though you would pay a doctor or lawyer. Career coaches disagree, arguing that a signed contract keeps the client engaged until success is achieved with good employment.

The initial meeting also serves the purpose of testing the rapport between you and the professional. If you don't feel the two of you relate well, trust your instincts. You have no obligation to proceed. Keep shopping until you find a “good fit.”

Email career questions for possible use in this column to Joyce Lain Kennedy at jlk@sunfeatures.com; use “Reader Question” for subject line. Or mail her at Box 368, Cardiff, CA 92007.